DSS proposes improved coordination after foster child's skull fractured

JEFFERSON CITY -- The Department of Social Services wants to improve coordination between case workers and regulators in the wake of accusations that a southwest Missouri woman fractured her foster child's skull with a back scratcher.

Carle Shane of Fordland, who has had 48 foster children since 1988, is accused of breaking 2-year-old Kaylee Ward's skull in three places in March. Shane had custody of the girl and her two siblings after the state removed them from their parents' home in 2005 because of rats, feces and drugs in their house.

The DSS on Wednesday released a detailed case file that stretches back to 2005. It suggests steps to improve communication between case workers and foster home license regulators, and to streamline the reporting of possible mistreatment.

The file notes that the department had investigated Shane in December 2005 -- two days after Kaylee was treated for a broken leg -- after receiving an anonymous tip. Investigators concluded there was not enough evidence to prove neglect after Kaylee's older siblings told them Shane had provided good care.

A copy of the investigation's findings was mailed to the Christian County Children's Division, but didn't arrive until four months later -- after the division already had renewed Shane's foster home license and after Kaylee's skull was broken.

Citing the delay in receiving the report -- even though it didn't implicate Shane of any wrongdoing -- DSS said it will start filing reports of mistreatment allegations both electronically and in hard copy. Rather than simply mailing their report, investigators also would send it by e-mail to the closest division office.

DSS also proposes that foster home license regulators would have to visit homes once every three months. Because the regulators and case workers maintain separate files, regulators would need to talk with the case worker overseeing every child in the homes they visit.

Another proposed change would require the DSS to seek information about mental health conditions in addition to health and background information that could affect a foster parent's ability to care for a child.

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On the Net:

Department of Social Services: http://www.dss.mo.gov